Handrail Assembly for Tailgate

This disclosure relates to a handrail assembly for a tailgate of a motor vehicle.

Some vehicles, such as pickup trucks, include a cargo bed. The cargo bed can be located behind a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A tailgate can enclose a rear, or aft, end of the cargo bed. Users use cargo beds to carry various types of loads and/or cargo.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including; a tailgate; and a handrail assembly moveable relative to the tailgate between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the handrail assembly includes a housing and a handrail attached to the housing, wherein, when the handrail assembly is in the deployed position, the handrail is inclined relative to the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: the handrail assembly includes a linkage assembly, and the handrail is moveably connected to the housing via the linkage assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: the handrail assembly is moveable from the stowed position to an intermediate position in which the housing and handrail have been rotated relative to the stowed position, and in which the handrail is in a retracted position relative to the housing, and the linkage is configured to cause the handrail to move relative to the housing in a vertical direction and a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, simultaneously, to move the handrail out of the retracted position and such that the handrail assembly is in the deployed position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: when the handrail assembly is in the intermediate position, the handrail is substantially parallel to the housing, and when the handrail assembly is in the deployed position, the handrail is non-parallel and non-perpendicular relative to the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, further including a lock assembly configured to selectively hold the handrail assembly in the deployed position unless actuated.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: the lock assembly includes a push-rod and a latch, the lock assembly is configured such that the push-rod is biased by a spring such that a portion of the latch is within a slot when the handrail assembly is in the deployed position, and the lock assembly is configured such that sliding of the push-rod overcoming the bias of the spring brings the latch out of the slot such that the handrail can be moved relative to the housing to the retracted position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: the lock assembly includes a knob coupled to a latch, the lock assembly is configured such that the knob is biased by a spring such that a portion of the latch is within a slot when the handrail assembly is in the deployed position, and the lock assembly is configured such that rotation of the knob overcoming the bias of the spring brings the latch out of the slot such that the handrail can be moved relative to the housing to the retracted position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: the lock assembly includes a push-pull cable coupled to a slider mounted in the handrail, the lock assembly further includes a cam coupled to the push-pull cable on an opposite side of the slider, the lock assembly includes a pin configured to selectively hold the linkage assembly in place when the handrail assembly is in the deployed position, and the cam is selectively rotatable into engagement with the pin to cause the pin to disengage the linkage assembly such that the handrail can be moved relative to the housing to the retracted position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein the handrail is in the retracted position relative to the housing when the handrail assembly is in the stowed and intermediate positions.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein the linkage assembly is configured to cause the handrail to move vertically upward and rearward when moving from the retracted position to the deployed position of the handrail assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: the linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link, the first link is pivotably joined to the housing adjacent a first end thereof and is pivotably joined to the handrail adjacent a second end thereof opposite the first end of the first link, and the second link is pivotably joined to the housing adjacent a first end thereof and is pivotably joined to the handrail adjacent a second end thereof opposite the first end of the second link.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: the first end of the first link is spaced-apart from the first end of the second link along a length of the housing, and the second end of the first link is spaced-apart from the second end of the second link along a length of the handrail.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein the handrail includes a concave surface facing the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the housing is nested within the handrail when the handrail is in the retracted position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein, when the handrail assembly is in the stowed position, the handrail assembly is within an inner cavity of the tailgate.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, further including: a step assembly movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to an inner cavity of the tailgate, wherein the step assembly includes a first step pad and a second step pad, and wherein, when the step assembly is in the deployed position, the first step pad is spaced-apart vertically from the second step pad.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, including: moving a handrail assembly relative to a tailgate of a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the handrail assembly includes a housing and a handrail attached to the housing, wherein, when the handrail assembly is in the deployed position, the handrail is inclined relative to the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the step of moving the handrail assembly includes: moving the handrail assembly from the stowed position to an intermediate position in which the housing and handrail have been rotated relative to the stowed position, and in which the handrail is in a retracted position relative to the housing, moving the handrail relative to the housing by simultaneously moving the handrail relative to the housing in a vertical direction and in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction to move the handrail out of the retracted position and such that the handrail assembly is in the deployed position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including actuating a lock assembly before moving the handrail assembly from the deployed position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: deploying a step assembly relative to the tailgate, wherein the step assembly includes a first step pad and a second step pad spaced-apart from the first step pad.

This disclosure relates to a handrail assembly for a tailgate of a motor vehicle. This disclosure provides a handrail which is both convenient to use and ergonomic, providing support to a user throughout an entire path of travel into or out of a tailgate of the vehicle, for example, including with respect to tailgates that are fit with step assemblies having more than one step. Further, the handrail assembly provides a sense of familiarity to users, as most users are comfortable using handrails when they climb traditional stairs. The handrail assembly of this disclosure is also readily manufactured and assembled. These and other benefits will be appreciated from the following description.

Referring to the drawings,is a front perspective view of an example motor vehicle, which in this example is a pickup truck. While a pickup truck is shown, this disclosure extends to other vehicle types.

In this disclosure, the motor vehicleincludes a cargo space for storing and/or hauling one or more items of cargo. In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo space is established by a cargo bedof the pickup truck. While a pickup truck with a cargo bed is specifically depicted and referenced herein, other vehicles having other types of cargo spaces could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure. The motor vehiclecould also be an internal combustion engine powered vehicle, a traction battery powered electric or hybrid vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (i.e., a driverless vehicle), etc.

The cargo bedis generally rearward of a passenger cabin (not shown) of the vehicleand includes a floorextending between a pair of longitudinally extending side walls, a laterally extending front wall, and a tailgate. The tailgatemay be referred to as a tailgate assembly. The overall size, shape, and configuration of the cargo bedis not intended to limit this disclosure.

The tailgateis pivotable about a first axis Arelative to the cargo bedbetween a closed position shown inand an open position shown in. The first axis Ais substantially perpendicular to a centerline C of the motor vehicle.

The tailgatemay be moved from the closed position to the open position in response to actuating a handleof the tailgate, for example. In the closed position, the tailgateencloses an end of the cargo bedthat is opposite from the front wall. In the open position, the tailgateis rotated substantially 90° relative to the closed position, and allows access to the cargo bedfrom the rear.

The tailgate, in this disclosure, includes a plurality of panels connected to provide the overall structure of the tailgate. Within the panels, the tailgate includes an inner cavity. Among other panels, the tailgateincludes a paneland a panel. When the tailgateis in the closed position, the panelprovides a front-facing surface of the tailgate, and when the tailgateis in the open position, the panelprovides an upper surface of the tailgate, which can be used as a work surface, for example. When the tailgateis in the closed position, the panelprovides an upper surface of the tailgate, and when the tailgate is in the open position, the panelprovides a rear-facing surface of the tailgate.

A user may require assistance for stepping up and accessing the cargo bedfrom the ground. This disclosure includes a deployable step assembly. The step assemblyis movable between a stowed position () and a deployed position () relative to an inner cavityof the tailgate. The inner cavityis a space within the tailgateand is enclosed by the panels of the tailgate. Specifically, panelsandpartially enclose the inner cavity.

This disclosure also includes a deployable handrail assemblymovable between a stowed position () and a deployed position () relative to the inner cavity. When the handrail assemblyis in the stowed position, the entire handrail assemblyis within an inner cavity, in this example.

When moving from the stowed position to the deployed position, the step assemblymoves generally rearwardly and downwardly. The handrail assemblymoves generally rearwardly and upwardly, in this example, when moving from the stowed position to the deployed position. When in the deployed position, the handrail assemblyis in a location such that a portion of the handrail assemblyis able to be grasped by a hand of a user while the user is using the step assemblyto enter or exit the cargo bed. The handrail assemblymay be considered part of the step assembly.

With reference to, the step assemblyincludes a first step padA and a second step padB. The first and second step padA,B are both configured to support a foot, or feet, of a user from below. When the step assemblyis in the deployed position, the first step padA and second step padB are spaced-apart from one another in a vertical direction (i.e., generally, the up-and-down direction, relative to a ground surface G adjacent the vehicle). The first step padA is vertically below the panel. The second step padB is vertically above the ground surface G. Further, the second step padB is spaced-apart rearwardly, in a direction parallel to centerline C, from the first step padA.

The second step padB is connected to a cover, in this example, which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a centerline C of the motor vehicle. The coveris configured to sit flush with the paneland enclose the inner cavitywhen the step assemblyis in the stowed position. Alternatively, the covermay be provided by another structure. A buttonmay be configured to selectively release the step assemblyfrom the stowed position.

The coveris connected to first and second rails,. When the step assemblyis in the deployed position, the first and second rails,are configured to support the coverand first and second step padsA,B. The first and second rails,are slidable and pivotable relative to the tailgate.

illustrates the handrail assemblyin the deployed position. The handrail assemblyincludes a housingand a handrail. The housing, in this example, is provided by a substantially rectangular tube. The housingcould be arranged differently, however. The handrailis moveably connected to the housingvia a linkage assembly. The linkage assemblyfacilitates movement of the handrailbetween a retracted position () and the deployed position ().

In this example, the linkage assemblyincludes a first linkand a second link. The first linkis pivotably joined to the housing, via a bracketrigidly attached to the housing, adjacent a first endthereof and is pivotably joined to the handrailadjacent a second endthereof opposite the first endof the first link. The second linkis pivotably joined to the housing, via the bracket, adjacent a first endthereof and is pivotably joined to the handrailadjacent a second endthereof opposite the first endof the second link. The pivot joints adjacent the ends of the first and second links,are configured to permit free rotation about the pivot joints. The first endof the first linkis spaced-apart from the first endof the second linkalong a length of the housing(and, in this case, the bracket), and the second endof the first linkis spaced-apart from the second endof the second linkalong a length of the handrail.

The housing(via the bracket), the handrail, the first link, and the second linktogether essentially provide a four bar linkage, in this example. The first and second links,may include curved portions, such as the curved portions adjacent respective second ends,(as in this example), or may be substantially straight along an entire length thereof. Further, while a bracketis attached to the housingin this example, the bracketis not required, and the first and second links,could be pivotably joined directly to the housingin other examples.

In, the handrail assemblyis in an intermediate position, which is a position of the handrail assemblybetween the stowed position and the deployed position. In the intermediate position, the handrail assemblyis configured such that the handrailis in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the handrailis substantially parallel to the housing. Specifically, a length dimension of the handrailextends in a direction substantially parallel to a direction at which a length dimension of the housingextends, which in this example is substantially perpendicular to the ground surface G. Further, in the retracted position, the handrailis generally vertically lower and generally further forward than the position of the handrailin the deployed position.

In, the handrailhas moved from the retracted position ofsuch that the handrail assemblyis in the deployed position. In the deployed position, the handrailis inclined relative to the housing. In particular, the handrailis inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the housing, such that respective length dimensions of the housingand handrailextend in directions that are neither parallel nor perpendicular to one another. Further, the length dimension of the handrailextends in a direction that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the ground surface G. Further, a length of the handrailis substantially parallel to an expected path of movement of a user entering or exiting the cargo area using the step assembly. In a particular example, the handrailis substantially parallel to the first and second rails,.

The linkage assemblyfacilitates movement of the handrailrelative to the housingbetween the positions of. In particular, the linkage assemblyis configured to cause the handrailto move relative to the housingin both a vertical direction and a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (i.e., rearward) to move the handrail out of the retracted position and such that the handrail assemblyis in the deployed position. Specifically, the linkage assemblypermits the handrailto essentially swing relative to the housingby moving vertically and either forward or rearward, simultaneously.

In this example, a springis connected between the handrailand the first link. The springmay be configured to bias the handrailto move out of the retracted position when the handrail assemblyis in the intermediate position. The springis not present in all examples. When present, the springmay be tuned to prevent undue downward movement of the handrailwhen moving from the deployed position to the retracted position.

The handrail assemblyfurther includes a lock assembly() configured to selectively hold the handrail assemblyin a deployed position, unless and until the lock assemblyis actuated, which releases the lock assemblyand permits movement of the handrail assemblyout of the deployed position (i.e., back to the intermediate position, and ultimately back to the stowed position).

A first example lock assemblyis shown in. In this example, the lock assemblyincludes a knoband a latch. The knobis rotatably mounted to the second link, in this example. The latchincludes a plateincluding a first pinabout which the knoband plateare configured to rotate. A second pinis adjacent a vertically upper end of the plate, in this example, and is attached to a spring. The springis mounted to the second linkand is spaced-apart from the latchin a direction opposite the housing. The platefurther includes a third pinon an opposite side of the first pinas the second pin, which in this example is a vertically lower side of the plate. The third pinis configured to be received in a slotformed in a projection. The projectionis rigidly attached to the housingin this example. The projectioncould be attached to, or provided by, bracket, in other examples.

As the handrailmoves from the retracted position and the handrail assemblyenters the deployed position, the third pinenters the slot. The springbiases the plateand knobsuch that the third pinis biased into the slot. Engagement between the third pinand slotprevents movement of the handrailwhen the handrail assemblyis in the deployed position. To move the handrail assemblyout of the deployed position, and specifically to move the handrailtoward the retracted position, the knobis rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, relative to, to overcome the bias of the springand to bring the third pinout of the slot. With the third pinout of the slot, the handrail assemblycan be moved out of the deployed position, and in particular the handrailcan be moved toward the retracted position.

While the lock assemblyincludes only one slot, there could be a second slot formed in the projectioncorresponding to the retracted position of the handrail. In this way, the third pincan enter the second slot and selectively lock the handrailin the retracted position. In that example, the knobcan be rotated to selectively release the third pinfrom the second slot, permitting movement of the handrailout of the retracted position.

illustrates another example lock assembly. The lock assemblyis configured similar to lock assembly, with like structures having like reference numbers preappended with a “1.” Instead of a knob, the lock assemblyincludes a push-rod. The push-rodis connected to the second pin. The push-rodincludes an actuating endadjacent the handrail. A user overcomes the bias of the springby applying force to the actuating end, causing the third pinto rotate out of engagement of the slot(not shown). As with the above example, the lock assemblycould have a second slot in addition to slot, with the second slot configured to receive the third pinwhen the handrailis in the retracted position.

illustrate another example handrail assembly, which is similar to the handrail assembly, with like structures having reference numbers preappended with a “2.”

A first difference between the handrail assemblyand the handrail assemblyis with respect to the lock assembly. The lock assemblyincludes a push-pull cable, such as a Bowden cable, routed along the second linkand coupled to a slidermounted in a face of the handrail. The slidercan be recessed below a surface of the handrail. Opposite the slider, the push-pull cableis coupled to a cam. In this example, a pinpartially projects out of the housing(not shown in) and into engagement with a slotformed adjacent the second endof the second link. The pinis biased outwardly, toward the slot, by a spring. As with the above-discussed lock assemblies, the lock assemblyis configured to hold the handrail assemblyin the deployed position.

In order to move the handrail assemblyout of the deployed position, a user slides the slidersuch that the push-pull cablepulls on the cam, rotating the camsuch that tabattached to the camcomes into engagement with the pinand moves the pininwardly relative to the housing, against the bias of the spring, and such that the pinis no longer within slot. With the pinremoved from the slot, the handrailcan be moved toward the retracted position.